Hydraulic body mount with compressible bumper

ABSTRACT

A hydraulic body mount includes a first support member adapted to engage a body of a vehicle and a second support member adapted to engage the frame of the vehicle. The second support member includes a cup portion disposed radially inward of the second support surface that extends axially away from both the first support surface and the second support surface. The body mount further includes a hydraulic damping system disposed between the first support surface and the second support surface, a washer and a travel-limiting cup joined to the cup portion of the second support member. The travel-limiting cup surrounds the washer and includes a compressible limiting member that limits axial movement of the inner tube when the washer contacts the compressible limiting member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/667,941 filed on Aug. 3, 2017. The entire disclosure of theabove application is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to body mounts, subframe mounts, enginemounts or other similar mounting systems. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to a body mount for systems requiring a low profileand restricted packaging space.

BACKGROUND

This section provides background information related to the presentdisclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

Fluid filled vibration damping mounts are utilized for automotive enginemounts, subframe mounts and body mounts. These damping mounts couple twocomponents together while damping the vibrations between the components.Typically, there are two support surfaces that are precompressed againsteach other prior to the working load being applied to the mountingsystem. Often the amount of packaging space for such mounts is limited.There exists a need for mounts that fit into such restricted packagingspaces while providing desired damping and travel-limitingcharacteristics.

SUMMARY

This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not acomprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a hydraulic body mount forconnection between a body and a frame of a vehicle includes a firstsupport member that defines a first support surface that is adapted toengage the body of the vehicle. The mount also includes a cover member.The cover member includes a rigid canopy, an inner tube and a firstelastomeric spring. The inner tube is connected to the first supportmember and it extends axially away from the first support surface alonga central axis.

The mount, in this embodiment, further includes a connector member. Theconnector member includes a connector plate, a second elastomeric springand a channel support. The channel support is joined to the connectorplated by the second elastomeric spring and the connector plate and theconnector plate includes a central aperture received over the innertube.

The mount also includes a second support member. The second supportmember includes a sleeve, a third elastomeric spring and a rigid base.The rigid base is connected to the sleeve by the third elastomericspring and defines a second support surface that is adapted to engagethe frame of the vehicle. The mount still further includes atravel-limiting cup that is joined to the second support member at anaxial distance away from the second support surface. The travel-limitingcup is disposed on a side of the second support member away from thefirst support surface and it includes an elastomeric limiting member anda washer. The elastomeric limiting member is connected to the washer.

The foregoing embodiment of a mount also includes a channel that isdefined by the channel support that is connected to the second supportmember. The mount includes a first chamber defined by the firstelastomeric spring and the second elastomeric spring and a secondchamber defined by the second elastomeric spring and the thirdelastomeric spring. The first chamber and the second chamber of themount are fluidly connected via an aperture in the channel support topermit fluid to flow in the channel between the first chamber and thesecond chamber.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the travel-limiting cup ofthe hydraulic body mount includes a rigid carrier and the elastomericlimiting member includes an inner portion and an outer portion. Theinner portion of the elastomeric limiting member is connected to aninner surface of the rigid carrier and the outer portion of theelastomeric limiting portion is connected to the washer to define acavity therebetween.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the first chamber and thesecond chamber of the hydraulic body mount are disposed between thefirst support surface and the second support surface.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the rigid base of thesecond support member includes a cup portion. The cup portion isdisposed radially inward of the second support surface and it extendsaxially away from the second support surface. The travel-limiting cup isjoined to the cup portion of the second support member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the travel-limiting cupsurrounds an outer circumferential surface of the cup portion of thesecond support member.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the third elastomericspring includes a radial elastomeric member disposed in the cup portionof the second support member and it defines a void between the cupportion and the sleeve.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the axial height of thevoid varies in at least two orthogonal directions around the sleeve.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the elastomeric limitingmember is V-shaped.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the inner wall of the outerportion of the elastomeric limiting member and an outer wall of theinner portion of the elastomeric limiting member are angled toward eachother such that the cavity is tapered.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, at least part of the innerportion of the elastomeric limiting member is disposed between thewasher and the lower support surface.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the mount can include acompressible limiting member in the travel-limiting cup. Thecompressible limiting member may have an annular-shape and be axiallyseparated from the washer when the mount is in a nominal position.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the compressible limitingmember is joined to an inner surface of the travel-limiting cup, and thecompressible limiting member includes an annular platform that projectsaxially toward the washer from a base flange of the travel-limiting cup.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, the compressible limitingmember is made of a micro-cellular urethane with collapsible internalvoids that permit the compressible limiting member to be compressedwithout bulging radially outward when a force is exerted against thecompressible limiting member by the washer.

Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the descriptionprovided herein. The description and specific examples in this summaryare intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended tolimit the scope of the present disclosure.

DRAWINGS

The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only ofselected embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are notintended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a mount of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the embodiment of the mount of FIG. 1 shownattached to the body and frame of a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a partial sectional perspective view of the mount of FIG. 1cut along two orthogonal planes.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a channel support ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the channel support of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a partial exploded view of the mount of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of a mountof the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughoutthe several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference tothe accompanying drawings.

One example mount 10 in accordance with the present disclosure is shownin FIG. 1. Mount 10 may include a first support member 16, a covermember 20, a connector member 30, a second support member 40, atravel-limiting cup 50, and a damping system 86. One example applicationof mount 10 is shown in FIG. 2. As can be seen, mount 10 can beconnected to a vehicle between a body 12 and a frame 14 of a vehicle. Inother applications, mount 10 can be placed between other adjoiningmembers in order to provide the vibration damping that will be explainedin more detail below.

The mount 10 includes first support member 16 that is connected to thebody 12 of the vehicle. First support member 16 includes a first supportsurface 18. First support surface 18 is the surface of first supportmember 16 adjacent body 12. First support surface 18 is a substantiallyplanar surface and, in this example, is an annular surface. In theorientation shown in FIG. 2, first support surface 18 is disposed at thetop of mount 10 and the other elements extend away, or downwardly, fromfirst support surface 18.

As further shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, second support member 40 is connectedto frame 14. The surface of second support member 40 that is locatedadjacent to frame 14 is second support surface 48. Second supportsurface 48 is disposed on a bottom side of second support member 40. Ascan be seen, second support surface is substantially parallel to firstsupport surface 18. In this configuration, hydraulic damping system 86is positioned between first support surface 18 and second supportsurface 48 such that hydraulic damping system 86 is also positionedbetween first support surface 18 and second support surface 48. In thismanner, the vibration damping functionality of mount 10 can be realizedwhen load is exerted on mount 10 through body 12 or frame 14 through theattachment points at first support surface 18 or second support surface48, respectively.

As can further be seen in FIGS. 1-4, second support member 40 includescup portion 72. Cup portion 72 extends below and away from secondsupport surface 48. Travel-limiting cup 50 is joined to cup portion 72at the bottom of cup portion 72 at an overlapping region 74. As such,travel limiting cup 50 also is positioned below and away from secondsupport surface 48. As will be explained in further detail below, thisconfiguration of mount 10 permits elements of mount 10 to be locatedbelow second support surface 48 so that they are not located in theregion between first support surface 18 and second support surface 48.The amount of packaging space that exists between body 12 and frame 14can be limited in some applications. By positioning elements of mount 10outside of the region between first support surface 18 and secondsupport surface 48, the amount of necessary space for mount 10 can beadvantageously reduced.

As shown in FIG. 3 and as previously described, first support surface 18and second support surface 48 are substantially parallel to each other.The axial distance between first support surface 18 and second supportsurface 48 is shown as height H. In existing designs of mounts, height Hcan often be 50mm or more. This size of a mount is not suitable for allapplications and mounts with smaller heights are needed. By positioningone or more elements of mount 10 outside of the region between firstsupport surface 18 and second support surface 48, height H can bereduced. In the example shown and described herein, height H can bereduced to 41 mm in a free, unloaded state and to 38 mm in a loadedstate. This reduction is achieved, in part, by locating cup portion 72of second support member 40 and travel-limiting cup 50 below secondsupport surface 48.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a sectional view of mount 10 is shown. Innertube 24 runs down the center of mount 10 and is connected to firstsupport member 16 at proximal end 88. Inner tube 24 extends downwardlyaway from first support surface 18 to terminal end 90. Washer 54 oftravel-limiting cup 50 is joined to the terminal end 90 of inner tube24. In this arrangement, inner tube 24 is the central member to whichmany of the other elements of mount 10 are connected and arranged. Innertube 24 is a substantially cylindrical member with a central axis 28.

First support member 16 is connected to inner tube 24 and is seated oninner tube 24 at first shoulder 92. This permits loads that are exertedon first support member 16 to be efficiently transferred to inner tube24 and, in turn, to the other elements of mount 10. A first elastomericspring 26 is joined to the outer surface of inner tube 24 at a positionaxially below first shoulder 92. First elastomeric spring 26 radiallyextends outward from central axis 28 and surrounds inner tube 24. Firstelastomeric spring 26 also extends downward and away from first supportsurface 18. As can be seen, this results in a conical shape of firstelastomeric spring 26.

As further shown in FIG. 4, a rigid canopy 22 is connected to theradially outward edge of first elastomeric spring 26. In one example,rigid canopy 22 may include an inner flange 27 that is over molded byand fixed to first elastomeric spring 26. Rigid canopy 22 extendsradially outward before turning downward and away from first supportsurface 18. An outer lower edge 114 (FIG. 7) of rigid canopy 22 isconnected to a rigid base 46 of second support member 40. As can beseen, rigid canopy 22 and rigid base 46 encapsulate many of the otherelements of the mount 10 as will be further described.

Further connected to inner tube 24 is a connector plate 32. Connectorplate 32 includes a central opening 38 that is received over inner tube24 such that connector plate is seated on inner tube 24 at a secondshoulder 94 located axially below first shoulder 92. Connector plate 32is a rigid member of mount 10 and extends radially outward from centralaxis 28. A second elastomeric spring 34 is joined to an outer peripheraledge 98 of connector plate 32. As can be seen, the outer peripheral edge98 of connector plate 32 resides radially inward of the location whererigid canopy 22 turns downward away from first support surface 18. Thisprofile of connector plate 32 permits second elastomeric spring 34 toextend radially outward and downward from outer peripheral edge 98.Second elastomeric spring 34 is then joined to a channel support 36.

Channel support 36 is also a rigid element of mount 10. Channel support36 extends radially outward of second elastomeric spring 34 and isconnected and compressed between rigid canopy 22 and rigid base 46.Channel support 36 includes a raised track 100 that defines channel 56as will be explained in more detail below.

As further shown in FIG. 4, mount 10 also includes a sleeve 42surrounding inner tube 24. Sleeve 42 is a substantially cylindricalelement that is received over inner tube 24. As such, an inner diameterof sleeve 42 is slightly larger than an outer diameter of inner tube 24.A third elastomeric spring 44 is joined to an outer diameter of sleeve42 and extends radially outward and is further joined to second supportmember 40.

Certain elements of mount 10 combine to create a hydraulic dampingsystem 86. In particular, first elastomeric spring 26, rigid canopy 22,channel support 36, second elastomeric spring 34 and connector plate 32combine to define a first chamber 58. Connector plate 32, secondelastomeric spring 34 and third elastomeric spring 44 combine to definesecond chamber 60. A portion of the volume defined by first chamber 58and second chamber 60 is filled with a non-compressible fluid that ispermitted to travel between first chamber 58 and second chamber 60 toprovide damping of vibrations imposed on mount 10 via its connections atfirst support surface 18 and second support surface 48.

Fluid is permitted to travel between first chamber 58 and second chamber60 via channel 56 defined by channel support 36. As shown in FIGS. 5 and6, channel support 36 includes track 100 that is a raised portion ofchannel support 36 that is formed into channel support 36. Channelsupport 36 also includes a slot 102 and an aperture 62. Slot 102 is agap in track 100 that fluidly connects second chamber 60 to channel 56.Aperture 62 is an opening in channel support 36 that fluidly connectschannel 56 to first chamber 58. As can be appreciated and when thepressure in second chamber 60 is higher than the pressure in firstchamber 58, fluid that is located in second chamber 60 flows intochannel 56 via slot 102. The fluid then flows around channel support 36through channel 56 before reaching aperture 62. Upon reaching aperture62, the fluid can further flow into first chamber 58. As can be furtherappreciated, fluid can flow in the reverse direction if the pressure infirst chamber 58 is higher than the pressure in second chamber 60.

The damping characteristics of mount 10 can be varied and tuned bychanging various aspects of hydraulic damping system 86. Some aspects ofthe system that can be changed or varied in order to tune or modify thedamping characteristics include the length of channel 56 and the size,quantity and location of slot(s) 102 and aperture(s) 62. As shown inFIG. 6, the fluid in mount 10 is forced to flow around the length ofchannel 56 defined by track 100 in channel support 36. The fluid flowsin the direction shown because a channel barrier 96 (as shown in FIG. 7)can be included in second support member 40. Channel barrier 96, in theexample shown, is a projection of elastomeric material that fillschannel 56 in the region between slot 102 and aperture 62. Channelbarrier 96 is pressed into channel 56 during assembly of mount 10 andforces fluid to flow around channel 56 in the direction indicated by thearrows on FIG. 6. As can be appreciated, the length of channel 56between slot 102 and aperture 62 affects the flow of the fluid fromfirst chamber 58 to second chamber 60 and, in turn, affects the dampingcharacteristics of mount 10. In other embodiments of mount 10, thelength of channel 56 can be varied or additional slots 102 and/oradditional apertures 62 can be included in channel support 36 to changethe damping effects of hydraulic damping system 86.

As previously described, rigid base 46 of second support member 40includes second support surface 48 and cup portion 72. Cup portion 72 isa portion of rigid base 46 located radially inward of second supportsurface 48 that extends downward and away from second support surface48. Cup portion 72 extends downward but does not extend beyond terminalend 90 of inner tube 24.

As shown in FIG. 4, radial elastomeric member 76 is located in the cupportion 72 of rigid base 46 below third elastomeric spring 44. Radialelastomeric member 76 is connected to sleeve 42 and cup portion 72 ofrigid base 46. An inner surface of radial elastomeric member 76 and anouter surface of sleeve 42 define a void 78 (shown as 78 a and 78 b). Asshown in FIG. 4, the size of void 78 may vary around central axis 28. Inthe example mount 10 shown, the axial height of void 78 changes aroundcentral axis 28. The height of void 78 transitions from a height asshown at 78 a to the longer height shown at 78 b. The height at void 78a is substantially less than the height at void 78 b. In this example,differing heights are oriented orthogonally to each other and aresubstantially oriented in a forward and transverse direction withrespect to the vehicle to which mount 10 is attached. This orientationprovides desired damping effects in response to inputs that transferredto mount 10 in the forward and transverse directions of the vehicle towhich mount 10 is connected. The size of void 78 can be changed from theexample shown to provide other desired vibration damping effects such asin different direction or to vary the amplitude of such damping effects.

As further shown in FIG. 4, travel-limiting cup 50 is positioned at thebottom of mount 10 opposite first support surface 18. Travel-limitingcup 50 includes a rigid carrier 64, an elastomeric limiting member 52and washer 54. Rigid carrier 64 includes a cylindrical body portion 65and a flange 67. Body portion 65 has an inner diameter that is largerthan the outer diameter of cup portion 72 of rigid base 46. Body portion65 of rigid carrier 64 surrounds and is connected to cup portion 72 atoverlapping 74. Travel-limiting cup 50 includes elastomeric limitingmember 52 that is connected to the inner surface of rigid carrier 64.Elastomeric limiting member 52 is further connected to washer 54. Washer54 is an annular component with a hole at its center. This hole ofwasher 54 fits over the terminal end 90 of inner tube 24 and connectedthereto. Washer 54 is connected to elastomeric limiting member 52 at aposition axially upward of flange 67 of rigid carrier 64. In thismanner, washer 54 is connected to mount 10 at a position between secondsupport surface 48 and the bottom of rigid carrier 64.

The elastomeric limiting member 52 includes an inner portion 66 and anouter portion 68. Inner portion 66 is substantially cylindrical having afirst end 69 connected to flange 67 of rigid carrier 64 and a secondopposite end 71 connected to washer 54. Outer portion 68 is fixed tobody portion 65. As shown, an inner wall 82 of outer portion 68 and anouter wall 84 of inner portion 66 define a cavity 70. Cavity 70 istapered space between inner portion 66 and outer portion 68 that residescircumferentially around and below washer 54.

Travel-limiting cup 50 is configured to limit the amount of travelpermitted by mount 10. As can be appreciated, as a load is exerted atfirst support surface 18, the elastomeric elements of mount 10 permitfirst support surface 18 to move toward second support surface 48(downward as oriented in FIG. 2). When such an event occurs, washer 54moves downward and away from second support surface 48. As washer 54moves downward and away from second support surface 48, the innerportion 66 of elastomeric limiting member 52 is compressed betweenwasher 54 and flange 67 of rigid carrier 64. If the load is large enoughand the travel of washer 54 in the axial direction toward flange 67 ofrigid carrier 64 reaches a threshold level, the tapered annular columnof inner portion 66 of elastomeric limiting member 52 is permitted tobuckle toward outer portion 68. In this manner, the buckled innerportion 66 of elastomeric limiting member 52 fills cavity 70 and suchmovement of washer 54 is limited from further axial downward movement.The size and shape of rigid base 46, elastomeric limiting member 52 andcavity 70 can be varied and tuned according to desired vibration dampingcharacteristics and desired travel limiting characteristics of mount 10.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of the example mount 10 of the presentdisclosure. In this view, the previously described components are shownin various sub-assemblies as they may be arranged during an exampleassembly process of mount 10. As described, first support member 16 canbe an annular member with a center hole that fits over inner tube 24.Inner tube 24 can be sub-assembled as part of cover member 20. In thisexample, cover member 20 includes first elastomeric spring 26 and rigidcanopy 22 in addition to inner tube 24. In the pre-assembled state,rigid canopy 22 can include one or more fingers or flanges 104 that canbe later crimped around adjoining members such as connector member 30and second support member 40.

As further shown, connector member 30 can be installed over inner tube24. Connector member 30 includes connector plate 32, second elastomericspring 34 and channel support 36. Connector member 30 is compressedbetween cover member 20 and second support member 40.

Second support member 40, as shown, includes sleeve 42, thirdelastomeric spring 44 and rigid base 46. As further shown, secondsupport member 40 may also include one or more studs 108 that can bewelded or otherwise joined to rigid base 46 in order to connect secondsupport surface 48 to frame 14 or other mounting location. As previouslydescribed, fingers or flanges 104 of rigid canopy 22 can be crimped overand around second support member 40 with connector member 30 positionedin between in order to secure the sub-assemblies in position.

Travel-limiting cup 50 is also shown in FIG. 7. As previously described,travel-limiting cup 50 includes rigid carrier 64, elastomeric limitingmember 52 and washer 54. Travel-limiting cup 50 can be joined to mount10 by installing washer 54 over the terminal end 90 of inner tube 24 andcrimping, swaging or otherwise securing the washer to inner tube 24.This in turn secures the upper edge of rigid carrier 64 in positionsurrounding the outer circumferential surface of cup portion 72 ofsecond support member 40.

As can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 7, mount 10 may be configured with anelongated profile that is not symmetrical about central axis 28. Inother embodiments other profiles may be used. As further shown, mount 10may include one or more relief features or one or more projections thatprovide clearance between mount 10 and neighboring components. The oneor more relief features or projections may also be included on variouscomponents of mount 10 to provide clearance between adjacent parts. Ascan be appreciated, as mount 10 is subjected to loading and vibration,the various components may move relative to one another due to elasticdeformation that may occur. Stud reliefs 110, for example, are includedin connector plate 32 to provide clearance to studs 108 so thatconnector member 30 does not contact second support member 40 when thetwo members move relative to one another. Similarly, rigid canopy 22includes one or more connector reliefs 112 that provide clearancebetween first support member 16 and connector member 30 that may moverelative to one another during loading and vibration of mount 10.

As described above, mount 10 includes components described aselastomeric and as rigid. For the purposes of this disclosure, theseterms are used in a relative basis and generally mean that the rigidcomponents do not undergo significant elastic deformation in normal usewhile the elastomeric components are intended to undergo elasticdeformation during normal use. In the example shown, the rigidcomponents can be stamped or otherwise formed of high strength steel,such as SAE J2340 grade steel. The elastomeric components can be made ofsuitable natural or artificial rubber, such as a natural rubber with adurometer between 50 and 60. Other suitable materials can be used.Elastomeric components may be fixed or joined to rigid components usingany number of methods including adhesive bonding, overmolding,mechanical fastening and the like.

In another example as shown in FIG. 8, the example mount 200 can includeall or some of the previously described features, structure and/orelements of the mount 10. As shown, the example mount 200 can include afirst support member 202, a rigid canopy 204, a connector plate 206, achannel support 208 and a second support member 210. The mount 200 canalso include a sleeve 212 and an inner tube 214. The sleeve 212 and theinner tube 214 are centrally located and define a central axis 216 ofthe mount 200.

As further shown (and as previously described with respect to examplemount 10), the mount 200 can include a hydraulic damping system 250. Thehydraulic damping system 250 includes similar elements and performs thesame or similarly to the hydraulic damping system 86 previouslydescribed. The hydraulic damping system 250 can include a firstelastomeric spring 218, a second elastomeric spring 220 and a thirdelastomeric spring 222. The first elastomeric spring 218 can beconnected to and couple the rigid canopy 204 to the inner tube 214. Thesecond elastomeric spring 220 can be connected to and couple theconnector plate 206 to the channel support 208. The third elastomericspring 222 can be connected to and couple the second support member 210and the sleeve 212. The foregoing sub-assemblies can be assembled andsecured together in which rigid canopy 204 is crimped or otherwisesecured to the second support member 210 with the connector plate 206and the channel support 208 positioned therebetween as previouslydescribed. In other examples, the second support member 210 can becrimped or otherwise secured to rigid canopy 204. The mount 200 alsoincludes a washer 224. The washer 224 can be secured to the inner tube214 at the end of the inner tube 214 located opposite to the firstsupport member 202.

A travel-limiting cup 226 can be secured to the lower portion of thesecond support member 210. The travel-limiting cup 226, in the exampleshown, includes a compressible limiting member 228 and a rigid carrier230. The rigid carrier 230 is a cylindrical cup-shaped member with aside wall 232 that is positioned circumferentially around the lower cupportion 238 of the second support member 210. The rigid carrier 230 canalso include a base flange 234 that is axially separated from a lowerflange 236 of the second support member 210.

The compressible limiting member 228, in the example shown, includes aside wall 240 and an annular platform 242. The side wall 240 extendsaxially along an inner surface of the rigid carrier 230 from the baseflange 234 toward the second support member 210. The annular platform242 is a layer of material that projects axially from the base flange234 toward the washer 224. The annular platform 242 has an annularshape. The annular platform 242 and/or the base flange 234 can define anopening 244. The opening 244, in the example shown, has a diameter thatis less than an outer diameter of the washer 224. This allows a user toaccess the washer 224 to secure the mount 200 in position while stillproviding the movement-limiting functionality of the travel-limiting cup226 as will be further described below.

The travel-limiting cup 226 is secured to the lower cup portion 238 ofthe second support member 210 such that the washer 224 is positionedinside the compressible limiting member 228. In a nominal position (asshown in FIG. 8), the washer 224 is spaced apart from the compressiblelimiting member 228 and from a bumper 248. The bumper 248 can beconnected to the third elastomeric spring 222 and be formed inconnection therewith such that the bumper 248 has a rounded annularshape that projects axially away from the lower cup portion 238 towardthe washer 224.

When the mount 200 is subjected to loading, the hydraulic damping system250 (described above) that is positioned between the first supportmember 202 and the second support member 210 can dampen the movement ofthe body 12 relative to the frame 14 of the vehicle when the mount 200is secured in position between the body 12 and the frame 14. Thetravel-limiting cup 226 limits the movement of the first support member202 relative to the second support member 210 when the washer 224contacts the compressible limiting member 228.

For example, the washer 224 may move axially toward the compressiblelimiting member 228 when a load is exerted on the mount 200 in an axialdirection along the central axis 216. The washer 224 can contact thecompressible limiting member 228. When such contact occurs, the washer224 compresses the compressible limiting member 228. Since thecompressible limiting member 228 is made of a compressible material, thecompressible limiting member 228 can be compressed from an initialheight H to a compressed height (not shown) that is less than theinitial height H. The compressible limiting member 228 can have a heightH that can be varied for different applications. In one example, thecompressible limiting member 228 has an initial height of 6 mm. Inanother example, the compressible limiting member 228 has an initialheight H in the range of 4 mm to 8 mm. In other examples, thecompressible limiting member 228 can have an initial height H that ismore than 8 mm or less than 4 mm.

The compressible limiting member 228, in the example shown, can compresswithout bulging radially into the opening 244. In addition, the annularplatform 242 can have a continuous or smooth inner surface withoutdepressions, valleys or other shapes. Such depressions, valleys or othershapes can be excluded from the example travel-limiting cup 226 sincethe compressible limiting member 228 does not require a cavity in whichit needs to expand or bulge during loading. For example, thecompressible limiting member 228 does not require the cavity 70 aspreviously described with respect to elastomeric limiting member 52 ofexample mount 10. Since such cavities are not required, an axial heightX of the travel-limiting cup 226 can be less than otherwise required inother designs.

The bumper 248 is positioned axially above the washer 224 as shown inthis example and the side wall 232 is positioned circumferentiallyaround the washer 224. As such, the bumper 248 and the side wall 232 canprevent the washer 224 from contacting the cup portion 238 and the rigidcarrier 230, respectively.

The mount 200 can be made of the materials previously described withrespect to example mount 10. The compressible limiting member 228, inthis example, is made of a compressible material that can collapse dueto internal voids in the material. One such example compressiblematerial is a micro-cellular urethane. Such materials can include openor closed cellular structures that permit the material to collapse onitself when subjected to loading. Such micro-cellular urethanes can beused to form the compressible limiting member 228 in different initialheights H and in different densities in order to achieve a desireddynamic range of the mount 200 and to limit the mount 200 to a desiredrange of travel. In one example, a micro-cellular urethane with adensity in the range of 100 kg/m³ to 560 kg/m³ can be used. In anotherexample a micro cellular urethane with a density of greater than 200kg/m³ can be used. In still other examples, micro-cellular urethaneswith other densities can be used.

In other examples, a micro-cellular polyurethane elastomer can be used.Such micro-cellular polyurethane elastomers can have different densitiesin order to achieve desired dynamic ranges and/or axial travel of themount 200. In one example, a micro-cellular polyurethane elastomer witha density in the range of 300 kg/m³ to 700 kg/m³ can be used. In anotherexample a micro-cellular polyurethane elastomer with a density ofgreater than 350 kg/m³ can be used. In still other examples,micro-cellular polyurethane elastomers with other densities can be used.

The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or featuresof a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particularembodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be usedin a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described.The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to beregarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modificationsare intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein todescribe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections,these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should notbe limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguishone element, component, region, layer or section from another region,layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numericalterms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearlyindicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region,layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element,component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachingsof the example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath,” “below,”“lower,” “above,” “upper,” and the like, may be used herein for ease ofdescription to describe one element or feature's relationship to anotherelement(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatiallyrelative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depictedin the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turnedover, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements orfeatures would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features.Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hydraulic body mount for connection between a body and a frame of a vehicle, comprising: a first support member defining a first support surface adapted to engage the body of the vehicle; an inner tube including a proximal end and a terminal end, the inner tube connected to the first support member at the proximal end and extending axially away from the first support surface along a central axis; a second support member defining a second support surface adapted to engage the frame of the vehicle, the second support member including a cup portion disposed radially inward of the second support surface and extending axially away from both the first support surface and the second support surface toward the terminal end of the inner tube; a hydraulic damping system disposed between the first support surface and the second support surface; a washer positioned at the terminal end of the inner tube; and a travel-limiting cup directly joined to the cup portion of the second support member, the travel-limiting cup surrounding the washer and including a compressible limiting member that limits axial movement of the inner tube when the washer contacts the compressible limiting member.
 2. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1 wherein the compressible limiting member is annular-shaped and is axially separated from the washer when the hydraulic body mount is in a nominal position.
 3. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1 wherein the compressible limiting member is joined to an inner surface of the travel-limiting cup, and the compressible limiting member includes an annular platform that projects axially toward the washer from a base flange of the travel-limiting cup.
 4. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1 wherein the compressible limiting member is made of a micro-cellular urethane material.
 5. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1 wherein: the compressible limiting member has an initial height measured axially toward the washer from a base flange of the travel-limiting cup; and the compressible limiting member has a compressed height that is less than the initial height when the washer exerts an axial force against the compressible limiting member.
 6. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1 wherein the compressible limiting member does not bulge radially outward when the compressible limiting member is contacted by the washer.
 7. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1 further comprising a radial elastomeric member and a sleeve, the sleeve disposed coaxially around the inner tube and connected to the second support member by the radial elastomeric member disposed in the cup portion of the second support member, the radial elastomeric member defining a void between an inner surface of the radial elastomeric member and the sleeve.
 8. The hydraulic body mount of claim 7, wherein an axial height of the void varies in at least two orthogonal radial directions around the sleeve.
 9. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein the travel-limiting cup surrounds an outer circumferential surface of the cup portion of the second support member.
 10. The hydraulic body mount of claim 1, wherein the first support surface and the second support surface are substantially parallel to each other and have an axial distance from each other that is less than or equal to 41 mm.
 11. A hydraulic body mount for connection between a body and a frame of a vehicle, comprising: a first support member defining a first support surface adapted to engage the body of the vehicle; a cover member including a rigid canopy, an inner tube and a first elastomeric spring, the inner tube connected to the first support member and extending axially away from the first support surface along a central axis and the first elastomeric spring connecting the inner tube to the rigid canopy; a connector member including a connector plate, a second elastomeric spring and a channel support, the channel support joined to the connector plate by the second elastomeric spring and the connector plate including a central aperture receiving the inner tube; a second support member including a sleeve, a third elastomeric spring and a rigid base, the rigid base connected to the sleeve by the third elastomeric spring and defining a second support surface adapted to engage the frame of the vehicle; a washer positioned at an end of the inner tube opposite to the first support member; a travel-limiting cup directly joined to the second support member at an axial distance away from the second support surface, the travel-limiting cup disposed on a side of the second support member away from the first support surface and including a compressible limiting member, the compressible limiting member being spaced apart from and surrounding the washer.
 12. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11, wherein the travel-limiting cup further comprises a rigid carrier with a base flange, and the compressible limiting member comprises an annular platform projecting axially toward the washer from the base flange.
 13. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11, wherein the rigid base of the second support member includes a cup portion, and the cup portion is disposed radially inward of the second support surface and extends axially away from the second support surface, and the travel-limiting cup is joined to the cup portion of the second support member.
 14. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11 wherein the compressible limiting member is joined to an inner surface of the travel-limiting cup, and the compressible limiting member includes an annular platform that projects axially toward the washer from a base of the travel-limiting cup.
 15. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11 wherein the compressible limiting member is made of a micro-cellular urethane material.
 16. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11 wherein the compressible limiting member does not bulge radially outward when the compressible limiting member is contacted by the washer.
 17. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11 wherein the compressible limiting member has collapsible internal voids that permit the compressible limiting member to be compressed without bulging radially outward when a force is exerted against the compressible limiting member by the washer.
 18. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11 wherein the compressible limiting member extends axially toward the second support member along an inner axial surface of the travel-limiting cup.
 19. The hydraulic body mount of claim 11 wherein the compressible limiting member defines an opening to permit access to the washer through the travel-limiting cup. 